Field and Molecular Epidemiology: How Viral Sequencing Changed Transmission Inferences in the First Portuguese SARS-CoV-2 Infection Cluster

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Pedro, N (Author) Other; Fernandes, V (Author) Other; Cavadas, B (Author) Other; guimaraes, jt (Author) FMUP; Barros H (Author) FMUP; Tavares, M (Author) Other; Pereira, L (Author) Other

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-2AE

DOI: 10.3390/v13061116

Abstract (EN): Field epidemiology and viral sequencing provide a comprehensive characterization of transmission chains and allow a better identification of superspreading events. However, very few examples have been presented to date during the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied the first COVID-19 cluster detected in Portugal (59 individuals involved amongst extended family and work environments), following the return of four related individuals from work trips to Italy. The first patient to introduce the virus would be misidentified following the traditional field inquiry alone, as shown by the viral sequencing in isolates from 23 individuals. The results also pointed out family, and not work environment, as the primary mode of transmission.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9